AI Summary
- Elevator installers and repairers earn the highest median wage at $44.84/hr ($93,270 annual) among construction trades.
- Electrical power-line installers rank second at $40.33/hr with strong demand driven by grid modernization.
- Construction laborers, the largest employment group at 965,900 workers, earn a median $22.14/hr.
- Material costs stabilized in late 2024 after post-pandemic volatility, with lumber down 3-5% YoY while concrete continues rising 3-4%.
Key Takeaways
- True labor cost runs 1.3-1.5x base wage after burden (taxes, insurance, benefits).
- Top-paying states consistently include Illinois, New York, California, and Hawaii.
- Specialty trades like hazmat removal and solar PV installation command premium wages.
- Union vs. non-union wage gaps range from 15-40% depending on trade and region.
Labor Rate Database
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Material Costs
28 materials| Material | Unit | Avg Price | Range | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-Mix Concrete (3000 PSI) | per cubic yard | $155.00 | $125 – $185 | +4.2% |
| Rebar #4 (1/2" diameter) | per linear foot | $0.85 | $0.65 – $1.1 | -2.8% |
| Structural Steel (W-shapes) | per ton | $2,800.00 | $2,200 – $3,400 | -1.5% |
| Steel Studs (3-5/8" 20 ga) | per linear foot | $1.65 | $1.2 – $2.1 | -3.2% |
| 2x4 SPF Lumber (Spruce-Pine-Fir) | per board foot | $0.62 | $0.45 – $0.85 | -8.5% |
| 2x6 SPF Lumber (Spruce-Pine-Fir) | per board foot | $0.70 | $0.5 – $0.95 | -7.8% |
| 3/4" CDX Plywood (4x8 sheet) | per sheet | $55.00 | $42 – $68 | -5.2% |
| OSB Sheathing 7/16" (4x8 sheet) | per sheet | $24.00 | $18 – $32 | -12.5% |
| CMU Block 8x8x16 (Standard) | per block | $2.45 | $1.85 – $3.25 | +3.8% |
| Face Brick (Standard Modular) | per per 1000 | $850.00 | $550 – $1,200 | +5.5% |
| Mortar Mix Type S (80 lb bag) | per bag | $10.50 | $7.5 – $13 | +4.1% |
| Asphalt Shingles (Architectural/30-yr) | per square (100 SF) | $130.00 | $95 – $165 | +6.8% |
| TPO Roofing Membrane (60 mil) | per square (100 SF) | $225.00 | $165 – $285 | +3.5% |
| Standing Seam Metal Roofing (24 ga) | per square (100 SF) | $475.00 | $350 – $650 | +2.2% |
| Fiberglass Batt Insulation R-19 | per square foot | $0.88 | $0.65 – $1.15 | +2.5% |
| Spray Foam Insulation, Closed Cell | per board foot | $1.75 | $1.25 – $2.5 | +1.8% |
| Rigid Foam XPS 2" (Extruded Polystyrene) | per square foot | $1.75 | $1.35 – $2.25 | +3.2% |
| 1/2" Gypsum Board (4x8 sheet) | per sheet | $15.50 | $12 – $20 | +5.8% |
| 5/8" Type X Fire-Rated Drywall (4x8 sheet) | per sheet | $19.50 | $15 – $25 | +6.2% |
| Copper Pipe 3/4" Type L | per linear foot | $6.25 | $4.5 – $8.5 | +8.5% |
| PVC Pipe 4" Schedule 40 | per linear foot | $4.15 | $2.8 – $5.5 | -1.2% |
| PEX Tubing 1/2" (CTS) | per linear foot | $0.60 | $0.4 – $0.85 | -2.5% |
| THHN Wire 12 AWG | per per 1000 ft | $115.00 | $85 – $155 | +6.2% |
| EMT Conduit 3/4" (10 ft stick) | per linear foot | $1.85 | $1.25 – $2.5 | -1.8% |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring | per square foot | $4.25 | $2.5 – $7 | -3.5% |
| Ceramic Tile 12x12 | per square foot | $3.00 | $1.5 – $5 | +1.2% |
| Interior Latex Paint (Flat/Eggshell) | per gallon | $42.00 | $25 – $65 | +3.8% |
| Epoxy Floor Coating (Two-Part) | per gallon | $75.00 | $45 – $120 | +2.5% |
Calculate Your True Labor Cost
Base wages are just the start. Use our Labor Burden Calculator to factor in taxes, insurance, benefits, and overhead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
All wage data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2024 release. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments and produces employment and wage estimates for over 800 occupations.
The BLS releases new OEWS data annually, typically in March for the prior May survey period. We update our database within 30 days of each new BLS release.
No. These are base wages only. The true cost of labor is typically 1.3x to 1.5x higher when you factor in payroll taxes, workers comp, health insurance, retirement contributions, and other burden costs. Use our Labor Burden Calculator to estimate your true loaded rate.
Wage differences reflect cost of living, union density, labor supply and demand, prevailing wage laws, and local market conditions. States with strong unions and high costs of living (Illinois, New York, California) consistently pay the highest rates.
We use the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system maintained by BLS. Each trade page shows its specific SOC code. The SOC system is used for all federal employment surveys and wage determination programs.
Use the median hourly wage as a starting point, then adjust for your specific location, project type, and local market conditions. Apply a burden rate (1.3-1.5x) to get the true cost per hour. Factor in productivity rates for specific tasks.
Material prices are compiled from industry sources including RS Means, ENR Construction Economics, and national supplier averages. Prices shown are national averages for Q4 2024/Q1 2025 and exclude delivery and sales tax.
Prevailing wage rates set by the Department of Labor for Davis-Bacon projects are typically higher than BLS medians because they reflect union rates in the area. Our Prevailing Wage Lookup provides state-specific information on these requirements.